DISAPPOINTED but not downhearted, a choir is looking to the future after their anniversary celebrations were cancelled.

This year it is 70 years since the formation of the East Witton Male Voice Choir. Its members were eagerly anticipating a busy year of celebratory concerts and events but lockdown restrictions have curtailed any singing or collective music making. The choir were especially disappointed to be unable to participate in the Wensleydale Tournament of Song and by the postponement of their anniversary concert at East Witton Church, planned for October 17.

Formed in 1950 by John and Margaret Thwaites from East Witton, the choir had just four singers. By 1968 their ranks grew to 14 when present members, Norman Errington, Barry Hughes and Maurice Read, joined. Travelling to venues across the Dales, the coast and the North York Moors, they sang mainly gospel and religious songs.

In 1986 Margaret Thwaites, now a widow, moved away and the choir gained a new musical director Janet Taylor. They began to perform a wide range of music including jazz, popular, musicals, spirituals and classics.

Diana Hartley, the choir’s accompanist for 12 years, was installed as its musical director in 2011 and welcomed Ruth Biker as their accompanist. Previous accompanists have been Margaret Thwaites, Muriel Hudson, and Sir Frank Lawton.

Over the years, the choir has performed at many venues throughout Wensleydale, Swaledale, County Durham and Richmondshire; twice at Beamish Museum; at the Albert Hall with Yorkshire Choirs and for many private engagements.

The choir has raised thousands of pounds for charities including Herriot Hospice Homecare, British Heart Foundation, Friarage scanner appeal, Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Swaledale Mountain Rescue, Marie Curie, Yorkshire Cancer Research, Veterans in Action, Macmillan Cancer, Rheumatoid and Arthritis Society, Starlight Children’s Foundation and Martin House Hospice. Many chapels and churches have also received funds following concerts.

Mrs Hartley said: “Although the choir has been very disappointed by the loss of opportunities to make music during the last six months, it is committed to making and sharing music of a high standard whilst having friendship and fun along the way.

“We are determined to look to the future and when able to do so will once again resume singing and giving pleasure to others.”